Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
2 days ago
United States Linda Chavez is an American author, commentator, and former high-ranking White House official who now serves as a political analyst and advocate for policy organizations.
Linda Chavez is currently a syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, regularly publishing her opinions and analyses in newspapers nationwide.
Linda Chavez serves as a political commentator for Fox News, appearing frequently on national news programs to offer her insights.
Linda Chavez is the president of the Becoming American Institute, a non-profit public policy organization based in Boulder, CO. The organization focuses on various policy issues.
Linda Chavez is the Chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a conservative think tank that concentrates on areas such as affirmative action, immigration, and bilingual education.
Linda Chavez serves as a senior fellow at the National Immigration Forum, contributing to discussions and policy work on immigration issues.
Linda Chavez has served on the board of directors for Pilgrim's Pride, a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest poultry producers in the United States, until 2008.
Linda Chavez sits on the board of directors of ABM Industries, a Fortune 500 company and the second-largest property management company in the United States.
Linda Chavez was a past board member of Greyhound Lines.
Linda Chavez serves on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
Linda Chavez was named to the advisory board of the Bruin Alumni Association.
Linda Lou Chavez was born on June 17, 1947, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her father, Rudolfo Enrique Chavez, was a World War II tail gunner who worked as a house painter, and her mother was Velma Lucy (née McKenna). She is of Neomexicana descent on her father’s side, with ancestors tracing back to New Spain in the 1500s. Chavez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado in 1970 and attended graduate school at UCLA. She married Christopher Gersten and has three sons: David, Pablo, and Rudy.
Chavez began her career in public service and advocacy. From 1975 to 1983, she worked with the American Federation of Teachers, where she edited the organization’s publications and was a confidante to president Al Shanker. Her involvement with the union shaped her perspective on labor issues, though she eventually sought a different direction. In the mid-1980s, she transitioned into Republican administrations, holding several significant appointed positions. She served as Staff Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from 1983 to 1985 and as White House Director of Public Liaison in 1985 under President Ronald Reagan, becoming the highest-ranking woman in his White House. From 1988 to 1992, she chaired the National Commission on Migrant Education under President George H. W. Bush.
In 1992, Chavez was elected by the United Nations Human Rights Commission to a four-year term as U.S. Expert to the U.N. Sub-commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. During this time, she served as a Special Rapporteur studying systematic rape, sexual slavery, and slavery-like practices during wartime. Later, in 2001, President George W. Bush nominated her for Secretary of Labor, marking her as the first Hispanic woman nominated to a U.S. cabinet position. She subsequently withdrew from consideration due to media allegations. Today, Chavez continues her work as a syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, a political commentator for Fox News, and as Chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity and president of the Becoming American Institute.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
